Hi Calcium Diet

[gary61]

HI,
The Slider that I recently adopted has been shedding her scutes since she got here, I've had alteast 6 complete ones in a week. There is no exposed bone underneath, it has a replacement scute underneath, I've now got her with a 120w Megaray lamp and feed her 2 complete raw shrimps once a day as well as the rescue deluxe food, Could you tell me is this a calcium deficency. Sadly I know nothing of her history prior to me getting her. She is I'm told approx 12 years old.

[turtlegirl]

Shedding scutes is perfectly normal and healthy. In fact it's bad for turtles to retain layers of unshed scutes. If there is healthy shell growth underneath looks like you have a fine healthy turtle.

Avoid feeding too much protein as it can cause shell defects like pyramiding and also organ problems including kidney disease. Prawns should be a weekly treat, not daily food as they are high protein. Turtle Rescue de luxe feed is ideal but not every day. Try feeding it 4 times/week, prawns once a week and 2 or 3 vegetarian days : romaine or little gem lettuce -NOT iceberg, dandelions, green veg(cabbage, kale, spinach), grated carrots are all good .